Rusthall Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

We found this practice was providing responsive care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Person-centred Care is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Care provision, Integration and continuity is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Providing Information is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Listening to and involving people is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

Staff had carried out a disability access audit and had an action plan to continually improve access for patients. However, there were limits to what could be changed. As the building cannot be fully adapted, the practice had arrangements to refer patients to a nearby practice that could accommodate their needs. This was discussed at their first point of contact with the practice.

Due to the layout of the building, it was not possible to offer wheelchair access as the entrance was narrow. The practice would tell patients at the first point of contact about the accessibility issues. Staff explained how they would assist patients who required further support. Staff had access to language translation services. The provider should improve how they support patients by ensuring reasonable adjustments are made and that information is available in accessible formats to meet individual needs.

Staff were clear about the importance of providing emotional support to patients when delivering care. For example, patients told us how supportive staff were if they suffered with dental anxiety.

The practice supported more vulnerable members of society, for example, patients living with dementia or adults and children with a learning disability.

The practice displayed its opening hours and provided information on their website and patient information leaflet.

The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

The practice provided telephone numbers for patients needing emergency dental treatment during the working day and when the practice was not open.

At the time of our inspection, patients who needed an urgent appointment were offered one in a timely manner. When the practice was unable to offer an urgent appointment, they worked with partner organisations to support urgent access for patients.

The judgement for Equity in experiences and outcomes is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Planning for the future is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.